Being stalked on Twitter bought tears of joy to Pauline Stockhausen's eyes. The Orewa mum-of-one is among 870 Twitter followers who signed up for a secret Santa through Twitter, a gift-sharing idea dreamed up by Hamilton man Sam Elton-Walters.
Stockhausen's present - a diary, a clip-on light for reading and a small musical box - arrived on Thursday.
"My secret Santa did an outstanding job because they stalked my Twitter. Their gift brought tears to my eyes because it was so thoughtful."
She spent $50 on her recipient - $40 more than suggested by Elton-Walters. Elton-Walters had noticed a sharp rise in interest this year after starting the scheme in 2010.
One person had received an Android tablet worth hundreds of dollars from their secret Santa, he said.
Some people told him the Twitter secret Santa was the only Christmas gift they received, Elton-Walters said.
"I think people get a big sense of community from taking part in this."